Coupling of two methods,waveform superposition and numerical,to model blast vibration effect on slope stability in jointed rock masses

Drilling and blasting is a major technology in mining since it is necessary for the initial breakage of rock masses in mining. Only a fraction of the explosive energy is efficiently consumed in the actual breakage and displacement of the rock mass, and the rest of the energy is spent in undesirable effects, such as ground vibrations. The prediction of induced ground vibrations across a fractured rock mass is of great concern to rock engineers in assessing the stability of rock slopes in open pit mines. The waveform superposition method was used in the Gol-E-Gohar iron mine to simulate the production blast seismograms based upon the single-hole shot vibration measurements carried out at a distance of 39 m from the blast. The simulated production blast seismograms were then used as input to predict particle velocity time histories of blast vibrations in the mine wall using the universal distinct element code (UDEC). Simulated time histories of particle velocity showed a good agreement with the measured production blast time histories. Displacements and peak particle velocities were determined at various points of the engineered slope. The maximum displacement at the crest of the nearest bench in the X and Y directions was 26 mm, which is acceptable in regard to open pit slope stability.     

Effect of Underground Mine Blast Vibrations on Overlaying Open Pit Slopes: A Case Study for Daye Iron Mine in China

Investigating the propagation and attenuation of blast vibration in rock slopes is the key point to assess the influence of underground mine blasting on overlaying open pit slopes stability and determining the potential risk. In this paper, Daye Iron Mine in China has been chosen as the case to study the effect of blast vibrations on overlaying open pit slopes due to underground mine blast. Firstly, the characteristics of blast loadings are analyzed by the dynamic finite element method. Then, a three dimensional (3D) numerical model of the open pit and the underground mine is made, which is verified by the field monitoring data to prove its reliability. The effect of blast vibration on overlaying open pit slope due to underground mine blasting are discussed based on the peak particle velocity (PPV) and the peak effective tensile stress (PETS) distribution characteristics which are calculated and analyzed by inputting the obtained blast vibration data into the numerical model. The results show that the effect of present mining blasting on the stability of pit slopes are limited because the simulated maximum PPV and PETS of monitoring point on slopes are all < 0.747 cm/s and 0.738 MPa. At last, according to numerical simulations of the underground mine blasting, the PPV predicting formulas for the slopes in Daye Open Pit Iron Mine is proposed based on the classic Sadaovsk formula.     

Environmental impacts of bench blasting at Hisarcik Boron open pit mine in Turkey

This paper presents the results of ground vibration measurements carried out in Hisarcik Boron open pit mine located on the west side of central Anatolia near Kütahya province in Turkey. Within the scope of this study to predict peak particle velocity (PPV) level for this site, ground vibration components were measured for 304 shots during bench blasting. In blasting operations, ANFO (blasting agent), gelatin dynamite (priming), and delay electric detonators (firing) were used as explosives. Parameters of scaled distance (charge quantity per delay and the distance between the source and the station) were recorded carefully and the ground vibration components were measured for all blast events using two different types of vibration monitors (one White Mini-Seis and one Instantel Minimate Plus Model). The absolute distances between shot points and monitor stations were determined using GPS. The equation of square root scaled distance extensively used in the literature was taken into consideration for the prediction of PPV. Then, the data pairs of scaled distance and particle velocity obtained from the 565 event records were analyzed statistically. At the end of statistical evaluation of the data pairs, an empirical relation which gives 50% prediction line with a reasonable correlation coefficient was established between PPV and scaled distance.     

Application of an Expert System for the Assessment of Blast Vibration

The purpose of this article is to evaluate and predict the blast induced ground vibration using different conventional vibration predictors and artificial neural network (ANN) at a surface coal mine of India. Ground Vibration is a seismic wave that spread out from the blast hole when detonated in a confined manner. 128 blast vibrations were recorded and monitored in and around the surface coal mine at different strategic and vulnerable locations. Among these, 103 blast vibrations data sets were used for the training of the ANN network as well as to determine site constants of various conventional vibration predictors, whereas rest 25 blast vibration data sets were used for the validation and comparison by ANN and empirical formulas. Two types of ANN model based on two parameters (maximum charge per delay and distance between blast face to monitoring point) and multiple parameters (burden, spacing, charge length, maximum charge per delay and distance between blast face to monitoring point) were used in the present study to predict the peak particle velocity. Finally, it is found that the ANN model based on multiple input parameters have better prediction capability over two input parameters ANN model and conventional vibration predictors.     

Evaluation of initiating system by measurement of seismic energy dissipation in surface blasting

Enhanced demand for coal and minerals in the country has forced mine operators for mass production through large opencast mines. Heavy blasting and a large amount of explosive use have led to increased environmental problems, which may have potential harm and causes a disturbance. Ground vibrations generated due to blasting operations in mines and quarries are a very important environmental aspect. It is clear that a small amount of total explosive energy is being utilized in blasting for breakage of rock mass, while the rest is being wasted. The amount of energy which is wasted causes various environmental issues such as ground vibrations, air overpressure, and fly rock. Ground vibrations caused by blasting cannot be eliminated entirely, yet they can be minimized as far as possible through a suitable blasting methodology. A considerable amount of work has been done to identify ground vibrations and assess the blast performance regarding the intensity of ground vibrations, i.e., peak particle velocity and frequency spectrum. However, not much research has done into reducing the seismic energy wasted during blasting leading to ground vibrations. In this paper, the blast-induced ground vibrations in three orthogonal directions, i.e., transverse, vertical, and longitudinal, were recorded at different distances using seismographs. An attempt has been made for the estimation of the percentage of explosive energy dissipated in the form of seismic energy with electronic and non-electric (NONEL) initiation system. signal processing techniques with the help of DADiSP software is used to study the same.     

Analysis of Blast Vibration Characteristics Across a Trench and a Pre-Split Plane

This paper presents the influence of various discontinuities, natural or artificial, on magnitude and frequencies of blast induced ground vibrations. These discontinuities were geological faults, a pond, a shaft incline, a trench and a pre-split plane interposed in the path of vibration propagation. In the post-trench region, ground vibrations in terms of peak particle velocity were significantly reduced and dominant frequencies in higher bands were consequently observed. Depth of trench with respect to blastholes were varied and consequent vibration characteristics were analyzed. The techniques of creating a trench and pre-split plane were successfully implemented in controlling vibration and in increasing the explosives charge to meet the scheduled production target of an opencast mine. Comparisons of ground vibration characteristics affected by a trench and a pre-split plane of the same depth are described in the text. The findings lead to the conclusion that such experimental data are necessary for production blasting in open cast mines under constrained conditions.     

井工开采对露天矿边坡稳定性影响的试验研究

露天边坡的稳定性是关乎矿山安全生产的重要因素之一。以安家岭露天煤矿29211工作面开采为例,采用相似材料模型试验研究方法,研究井工开采对露天矿边坡变形破裂过程的影响。试验结果表明：29211采面的推进使得上覆岩层发生垮落和下沉变形,形成“拱式”结构,对边坡产生较大的水平推力作用,导致边坡向临空面方向发生较大的水平位移,同时也造成了边坡不同程度的拉裂和沉降变形;当29211工作面推进至合理停采线2时,边坡岩体内出现局部裂缝,推进至设计停采线时,边坡岩体内裂缝已逐渐形成并贯通至坡底,因此,29211工作面推进至合理停采线2时为适宜停采位置;29211工作面开采完毕后工作面中部正上方沉降量最大,边坡岩体最大下沉量约为8 m,边坡体内裂缝逐渐贯通,有被挤出的趋势。研究结果对露天矿现场开采安全提供理论指导。     

Stability Assessment of a Pit Slope Under Blast Loading: A Case Study of Pasir Coal Mine

In Pasir mine, coal seams and host rocks of varying thickness have been uniquely deposited with an average dip angle of 85°. The host rocks are weak and mainly composed of mudstone and sandstone comprising of 90–95% of the total pit volume. The thickness of coal seams and host rocks ranges from sub-metric to few tenths of meter. The overall safe pit slope angle was evaluated to be 27° for mining depth of 50–150 m. Several slopes failure incidents have occurred in the mine causing considerable disruption in production and monetary loss. It is envisaged that slope failures may be triggered due to blasting conducted in steeply dipping stratified deposit. In order to investigate the causes of slope failures, peak particle velocity (PPV) and accelerations at various locations from the blast site have been measured. In addition, finite element models of pit slope have been analyzed by applying static or gravity loading as well as blasting or dynamic loading. This paper elaborates the results of in situ measurements of ground vibration and numerical investigation and suggests possible causes of slope failures in Pasir mine.     

Evaluation of ground vibrations and the effect of air blast in open-pit phosphate mines

Blasting constitutes a beneficial industrial technology, used in quarries and mining production processes, which ensures the achievement of the expected results in a short period of time with relatively low cost. Nevertheless, a significant part of the used blasting energy is wasted in the form of ground vibration and air blast. Hence, blasting-induced ground vibrations are one of the fundamental problems in the mining industry which may cause severe damage to structures and plants nearby. Therefore, a vibration control study plays an important part in the minimization of the environmental effects of blasting in mines. This study represents an investigation reporting ground motion (measured in terms of peak particle velocity (mm/s)) and air blast overpressure measurements around the open-pit phosphate mine near Metlaoui area (southwestern Tunisia). It aimed to calculate the site’s constants: K (ground transmission coefficient) and n (site attenuation curve slope). The obtained site parameters allowed determining the propagation equation of the blast-induced seismic waves in the study area. The scope of this study was to predict the peak particle velocity when the amount of explosive charge and/or the distance were altered with minimum spoil to the environment. Also, a frequency overview of the study area revealed the dominance of low frequencies (>?40 Hz). Such values can cause damage to the nearby structures when a specific peak particle velocity value is reached by blasting. Moreover, this study demonstrated that all overpressure magnitudes were less than 134 dB, which is the safe limit of air blast level.     

Lessons Learned from the Landslides in Shengli East Open-Pit Mine and North Open-Pit Mine in Xilinhot City,Inner Mongolia Province,China

The locations of the 2013 eastern ShengLi open pit mine landslide and the 2010 northern ShengLi open pit mine landslide were both in the XilinHot city of Inner Mongolia province, in areas with similar geographical, regional geological, geomorphic conditions and excavation depth. There are so many similar characteristics, such as landslides triggered by the rain storms, landslides occurred many times, landslides with long time deformation, but there are also some differences between the two landslides, such as the scale and failure mode. Field investigations showed that the two landslides were both occurred several days after the rain storms, the eastern ShengLi open pit mine landslide body with the volume of 85 million m³ has been in persistent deformation with an observed maximum horizontal displacement of 58 m in August 2013, Furthermore the implemented check dams at east open pit mine had not formed an efficacious blocking system to resist the flow because of incorrect judgment regarding the landslide style. The northern ShengLi open pit mine landslide body with 0.5–1 million m³ occurred several times after each rain storm. In the whole, the time of persistent deformation about the eastern ShengLi open pit mine was much longer than that of the northern ShengLi open pit mine because of the difference of the filling material of fault and space combination between the faults and the slope. Field investigation, physical model experiments, real-time displacement monitoring and numerical simulation were implemented to investigate the characteristics, mechanism, and retaining measures of the two landslides. The insights gleaned herein may be valuable for the understanding of the mechanisms of landslides and improving preventative measures against these types of events in north China in the future.     

Evaluation of blast-induced ground vibrations in open-pit mines by using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems

This study addresses the effects of rock characteristics and blasting design parameters on blast-induced vibrations in the Kangal open-pit coal mine, the Tülü open-pit boron mine, the K?rka open-pit boron mine, and the TKI Çan coal mine fields. Distance (m, R) and maximum charge per delay (kg, W), stemming (m, SB), burden (m, B), and S-wave velocities (m/s, Vs) obtained from in situ field measurements have been chosen as input parameters for the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)-based model in order to predict the peak particle velocity values. In the ANFIS model, 521 blasting data sets obtained from four fields have been used (r ² = 0.57–0.81). The coefficient of ANFIS model is higher than those of the empirical equation (r ² = 1). These results show that the ANFIS model to predict PPV values has a considerable advantage when compared with the other prediction models.     

Influence of transducer-ground coupling on vibration measurements

Various methods of transducer mounting provide varying degrees of coupling between the transducer and the measurement surface. The influence of four of these methods on vibration measurements was studied. For this purpose, the first transducer was placed freely on a horizontal surface, the second one was 'sandbagged', the third one was 'spiked' and the fourth one was completely buried in soil. These transducers were mounted side by side and ground vibrations were monitored for 14 blasts at an opencast coal mine.

Ground vibrations in terms of peak particle velocity, peak vector sum and frequency with different mounting methods were analysed. Assuming the data of the buried transducer as the most acceptable one, relative values of other transducers were determined and plotted. For the given tolerance for instrumental and human errors, anomalous readings were found in some cases. The waveforms of the buried transducer were then compared with those of others. Clear distortion in the waveforms or a very low correlation coefficient between two waveforms was suspected poor coupling.

The results indicate that decoupling is most likely with the surface transducer. However, the sandbagged and spiked transducers are also prone to decoupling. Decoupling can result in higher or lower ground vibration. Therefore, burial should be the preferred method for mounting of transducers in soil.     

高陡边坡岩体结构信息无人机识别与离散元数值模拟

岩体结构特征的准确表征对边坡稳定性评价具有重要影响。由于高陡边坡岩体结构的人工编录工作开展困难,结构几何信息往往获取不全面,导致边坡数值模型构建往往不理想。以江西德兴银山铜矿露天边坡为工程背景,采用无人机与运动恢复结构法(SfM)获取边坡岩体点云模型。基于点云数据建立结构面识别和解译算法,自动获取结构面产状、迹长、间距等几何信息。对比人工测量结果,无人机测量与结构面识别能够获取更符合实际的坡面与岩体结构模型。采用非均匀有理B样条(NURBS)曲面重构和“Rhino-Griddle-3DEC”联合建模方法,结合岩体结构统计模型构建离散裂隙网络DFN能够快速建立三维离散元数值模型,从而获得更好的数值模拟计算结果,满足岩质高边坡稳定性评价的需要。     

Investigation into the effect of fault properties on wave transmission

The estimation of wave transmission across the fractured rock masses is of great importance for rock engineers to assess the stability of rock slopes in open pit mines. Presence of fault, as a major discontinuity, in the jointed rock mass can significantly impact on the peak particle velocity and transmission of blast waves, particularly where a fault contains a thick infilling with weak mechanical properties. This paper aims to study the effect of fault properties on transmission of blasting waves using the distinct element method. First, a validation study was carried out on the wave transmission across a single joint and different rock mediums through undertaking a comparative study against analytical models. Then, the transmission of blast wave across a fault with thick infilling in the Golgohar iron mine, Iran, was numerically studied, and the results were compared with the field measurements. The blast wave was numerically simulated using a hybrid finite element and finite difference code which then the outcome was used as the input for the distinct element method analysis. The measured uplift of hanging wall, as a result of wave transmission across the fault, in the numerical model agrees well with the recorded field measurement. Finally, the validated numerical model was used to study the effect of fault properties on wave transmission. It was found that the fault inclination angle is the most effective parameter on the peak particle velocity and uplift. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bench blasting design based on site-specific attenuation formula in a quarry

This research was performed on the quarry that will be opened to produce aggregates and rock filling material at Catalagzi region at Zonguldak province in Turkey. However, there are some structures which can be adversely affected by blasting at the quarry. These structures are a methane exploration drill hole and a house at the distances of 340 and 390 m, respectively. One of the main goals of this study is to perform a preliminary assessment of possible damage effect of ground vibrations induced by blasting on these structures by risk analysis based on ground vibration measurements. In order to propose a preliminary blast design models separately for aggregate and rock filling material production, six test shots with different maximum charge per delay were planned and fired at the quarry. In these shots, 90 events were recorded. To predict peak particle velocity (PPV), the relationship between the recorded peak particle velocities and scaled distances were investigated. During this investigation, the data pairs were statistically analyzed and a PPV prediction equation specific to this site with 95% prediction line were obtained. And also, this equation was used in the derivation of the practical blasting charts specific to this site as a practical way of predicting the peak particle velocity and maximum charge per delay for future blasting. A risk analysis was performed by using this equation. In the light of this analysis, preliminary blast design models were proposed to be used in this quarry for aggregate and rock filling material production.     

Evaluation of Ground Vibration due to Surface Blasting at a Celestite Open-pit Mine

In bench blast design, not only the technical and economical aspects, such as block size, uniformity and cost, but also the elimination of environmental problems resulting from ground vibration and air blast should be taken into consideration. Prediction of ground vibration components is of great importance when responding to and avoiding environmentally-related complaints. This paper presents the results of ground vibration measurements carried out in a celestite open-pit mine during blast optimisation studies. The particle velocity components (longitudinal, transversal, vertical and peak) and the airblast measurement results were evaluated considering the scaled distance relationship. The statistical analysis of 47 data sets yielded an empirical relationship between peak particle velocity and scaled distance. This approach which is suggested for the present site gives the 50% line and the upper bound 95% prediction limit with reasonable correlation.     

潜孔锤反循环钻进工艺在拉拉铜矿的试验应用

针对现有露天矿区空气钻孔作业存在的粉尘污染、岩矿心（样）丢失严重等问题。采用贯通式空气潜孔锤反循环钻进工艺在四川拉拉铜矿露天矿区进行了生产性试验,检验贯通式潜孔锤在露天矿区的钻进效率、粉尘控制以及岩心（样）采取率情况。试验共完成了3个试验孔,进尺483 m,平均钻进效率为8.83 m/h,岩心（样）总长度252.43 m,反循环效果良好,且不同的钻具组合对反循环形成效果无影响,试验现场无粉尘弥散现象。     

吉林省磐石市姚财白灰厂石灰岩矿矿山环境治理设计

姚财白灰厂石灰岩矿于2007年闭坑停采。现留有两个采场,西侧采场紧靠公路,采场南北长130 m,东西宽55~75 m,占地面积约9 000 m2。南侧采场面临黄河水库,东西长270 m,南北宽30~70 m,占地约14 850m2。依据有关部门要求,对该石灰岩矿进行环境治理,将其重建成一个与当地自然环境相和谐的生态系统。     

露天地下开采隔离层稳定性研究

露天地下开采隔离层稳定性分析是矿山中经常遇到的问题。以大宝山矿露天地下开采的工程实例,采用数值分析方法,对隔离层稳定性进行分析计算,发现空区顶板的拉应力是关系隔离层稳定性的关键因素。通过对隔离层的安全厚度数值计算,与5种理论计算方法结果进行了比较,综合求和归一法数据处理和多项式数值逼近得到了不同空区跨度与隔离层安全厚度关系。结果为露天地下开采隔离层稳定性分析的方法进行了验证和补充,也为矿山设计隔离层厚度提供了参考,对指导露天地下开采安全生产施工具有重要意义。     

Prediction of peak particle velocity using multi regression analysis: case studies

Ground vibrations produced from blasting operations cause structural vibrations, which may weaken structure if it occurs at the resonant frequency. Measurable parameters associated with ground vibrations are peak particle velocity (PPV), amplitude and dominant frequency (frequency of highest PPV amongst translational, vertical and horizontal vibrations). In this paper, an attempt is made to correlate measurable parameters associated with ground vibrations with scaled distance. Using the correlated data, it was found that a predictor equation can be determined for the amplitude and PPV, but not for dominant frequency as it is dynamic and depends upon infinitesimal changes that occur within a number of other parameters. Another analysis of the same is made using multiple linear regression analysis. This included predicting the PPV using scaled distance, maximum charge per delay, amplitude as predictors. A considerable improvement is seen in the prediction on adding the interaction of the predictors in multiple regressions. A comparison of different combination of predictors is made so as to assess the best combination giving the best R² value for the given mine. Frequency is also plotted using the aforementioned method. However, it was found that the dominant frequency cannot be predicted with high accuracy even with this method.